In a memorandum to the Cabinet the Minister has pointed out the need for new laws as more than 10,000 sub agents and many migration consultants who are not regulated by any Act of Parliament have emerged in the sector. The presence of nearly 30,000 foreign workers in Sri Lanka is another serious concern, the Minister has noted.

According to the Central Bank data, the foreign employment sector had contributed US$ 6.76 billion last year which is 45 percent of the country's total foreign exchange earnings.